AMHERST – The University of Massachusetts football team's three fifth-year senior transfers all gave the same response when asked how it feels to practice with their new team Monday.

"It feels great," they said, each with noticeable enthusiasm.

For defensive end Justin Anderson, wide receiver Ricardo Miller and offensive tackle David Osei, the opening of training camp is a chance to hit the refresh button on their careers. They have new plays to learn, new teammates and coaches to adjust to, and a new uniform to wear.

The trio have more football experience than just about anyone on the team, but for now, they're operating on a learning curve similar to that of the Minutemen's 25 freshmen.

The transition is likely to be easiest for Anderson, who transferred from Maryland in June and played under current UMass defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo as a freshman in 2009. At 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, Anderson is expected to be a starter when UMass opens at Wisconsin Aug. 31.

“Coach Sollazzo's terminology is still pretty similar," Anderson said. "I can get it, it’s like muscle memory. So I’m not so much ahead of the game, but I’ve got a better chance knowing that I’ve been with him.”

Anderson said he's had to learn four different defenses over the course of his college career, so picking up one more shouldn't be an issue.

"It’s fun to be able to put the helmet back on, put the pads back on pretty soon and get started," he said. "As long as we have good chemistry, we can just keep moving forward and put together a winning season.”

Miller, the second Michigan transfer coach Charley Molnar has brought to UMass in as many seasons, echoed Anderson's sentiments about learning to fit in.

“It's been kind of smooth," Miller said. "I got here early, in May, and I’ve been out here all summer with the guys, trying to get used to the offense, the playbook and things like that. I’m loving the freshness of the field, being around the guys and being able to get back out here to the game of football.”

The 6-4, 225-pound wideout worked with sophomore quarterback Mike Wegzyn throughout the summer in hopes of being on the same page when camp opened. And though it's only been a few months, Miller thinks they've made good progress.

“Mike and I have gotten pretty close over the summer. I feel like our chemistry, you know, is getting there, and it’s gonna get better as we get into camp," he said.

Miller also wants to use his limited time with the Minutemen to impart wisdom earned with the Wolverines on his new team's inexperienced receiving corps.

“Obviously, I want to help coach the young guys," he said. "I’m going into my fourth year of football, and I’ve got a little bit of a football IQ and experience on the field with coverages, reads and defenses."

Osei, too, thinks he can use some of his veteran experience from playing at Rutgers to help steady the young offense. The 6-4, 280-pound lineman should slot in at right tackle opposite senior Anthony Dima.

“I want to help Dima, (Vincent) Westcarr and the other seniors get things going," he said. "We have a lot of talent here, we just have to come out and play like it.

"I think we’re gonna jell before the end of camp. Even on day one working with different people, everyone seems to be on the same page. And that’s a good feeling. Once you’re on the same page, you can get things done."

Osei is also relishing the chance to help an up-and-coming program, saying he "love(s) being part of an underdog story.”

WEGZYN FEELS "HEAD AND SHOULDERS" ABOVE LAST YEAR: Wegzyn reiterated that he feels he's undergone a dramatic transformation since the end of last season. He's much more comfortable with the playbook and has an easier time reading defenses than he did as a redshirt freshman.

"I feel like I've taken multiple steps forward just being a quarterback, understanding the game, just as a whole," Wegzyn said. "I really have the offense down, I feel like, to a tee now.

"Last year, I was more worried about getting everything right; was I doing everything right. Now I'm kind of worried about other people and making sure everybody else is lined up and doing the right steps, doing the right routes. So it's taken pressure off me knowing I don't have to learn all this stuff."

Wegzyn threw for 1,825 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions on 182-of-346 passing in 11 starts.